Flávio Bolsonaro defends U.S. terrorist designation of Brazil's PCC and CV

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a pre‑candidate for the Brazilian presidency, reiterated his support for the United States' decision to label the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations. He made the comments at a women‑focused event in São Paulo, noting his recent trip to Washington where he met with his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro and President Donald Trump, and stating that the trip was aimed at confronting organized crime.

Brazil's Federal Police chief, Andrei Rodrigues, countered the U.S. classification, insisting that the PCC and CV are criminal gangs motivated by profit rather than ideological or political goals, and should remain subject to existing anti‑organized‑crime laws. Rodrigues emphasized the need for international cooperation against drug and arms trafficking while cautioning that the terrorist label could affect joint security operations.

The U.S. move has sparked diplomatic tension, as Washington later signaled a possible 25% tariff on Brazilian goods, citing issues such as the Pix payment system. Bolsonaro’s defense of the designation seeks to align his campaign with a hard‑line stance on crime while appealing to female voters.